Population census data of 2011 shows that there are around 104 million elderly or senior citizens (aged 60 years or above) in India. As the life expectancy rate in India is increasing, this figure is expected to grow to 180 million by 2025 and to 300 million by 2040. Indian have traditionally been a close-knit society and still today three out of four elderly parents live with their children but the scenario is changing fast. Relationships within the family are coming under great strain due to varied reasons. Sometimes the children are at fault and at other times self-ego of elderly people becomes a hindrance. Elderly people report verbal abuse, neglect, and disrespect.

Apart from domestic abuse elderly today are facing many other challenges like abandonment and poor health care support at home. Many children move to other countries to pursue their carrier and parents are left alone at home. Fed up with daily issues, many of them are themselves choosing to move out of their homes on their own and leading a lonely life. This itself has its repercussions as it created safety concerns and many of them start suffering from depression as there is no one to take care of them when they are ill. Whatever may be the reason, the fact is that elderly people are a neglected lot in India. They suffer physically, emotionally and financially.

ACT… bring the change

Under the guidance of Sadgurudev Satyashri members of ACT, work to take care of elderly people by forming meditation groups at various cities and towns. Senior citizens meet at a designated place commonly called ‘Amarshradha Atambodh Dhyan Sadhna Ashram’ for daily and weekly meditation sessions. This not only relieves their stress and anxiety but also helps in countering their health problems. Young people are being motivated by Gurudev to go to homes of senior citizens who are bedridden and talk to them for an hour or two. These groups also recite holy scriptures at their place as a community service.

Come… Join hands

A small group of thoughtful committed people can bring a great change. Only the will to give can bring the required change. The ACT is trying to make this world a better place for those senior citizens who do not have anyone to take care of by building community kitchens, old age community centers, and old age homes. A gesture of love and companionship in their last phase of life can make their journey easy.